Nervous tics in children: Reflexology can help !!!!
What is a Tic?
A tic is a sudden, repetitive movement or sound that can be difficult to control. Common motor and phonic tics are, respectively, eye blinking and throat clearing.
Simple tics occur in about 10 per cent of the population with boys outnumbering girls three to one, and often beginning around the age of seven.
Tics are most likely to be seen when a child is bored, stressed or tired.
Last September 2013 my primary age son (age 8) came out of school blinking his eyes multiple times.He had been absolutely fine when I left him to school that morning !! At first I thought he had something in his eye, he couldn’t seem to stop blinking. I contacted both my GP and optician who diagnosed a tic. I was distraught, his teacher had commented on it and then his friends began to make fun of him. I trawled through the internet looking for answers, all the advice was the same ‘Don’t mention it or draw attention to it ‘ IMPOSSIBLE’ when everyone was mentioning it to him. The idea that this could be a lifetime affliction was causing a lot of stress so I decided after a couple of weeks to try Reflexology.
Reflexology is a gentle but strong foot massage aimed at re-energizing the body. It is a therapy that works on the feet to heal the whole person and is used to restore and maintain the body’s natural healing mechanisms.
There are many different theories as to how Reflexology works – a unifying theme is the idea that energy flows in vertical zones throughout the body and areas on the feet are mapped out and correspond to the organs and systems of the body within these zones.
Due to everyday stresses and illnesses blockages can occur in these energy zones. By working on the reflexes on the feet, Reflexology helps to clear these blockages allowing the free flow of energy in the body thereby restoring a state of balance. It also helps to induce a relaxation response within the body, thereby reducing stress and anxiety, which are contributors to the many health problems we experience in today’s society.
Reflexology does not claim to cure, diagnose or prescribe. It helps the client to cope at physical, spiritual, mental and emotional levels, encouraging them to heal and maintain good health.
Research is ongoing in the area of Reflexology to determine its effectiveness in treating particular conditions. There is much anecdotal evidence to suggest it can have many benefits including:
- Promoting deep relaxation through reduction of stress
- Improving sleep patterns
- Improving circulation
- Assisting removal of waste products from the body
- Activating the immune system
- Bringing balance to the systems of the body
- Encouraging the body to heal itself at its own pace
- Reduces tension
Reflexology has also been shown to be effective for:
- Back pain
- Migraine
- Infertility
- Arthritis
- Hormonal imbalances
- Digestive disorders
- Stress related conditions such as IBS, asthma, insomnia, depression, anxiety
I treated my son twice a week and by week three his tic had practically gone, we continued with sessions once a month for a further 3 or 4 months. We were delighted and thought he was cured but then lo and behold this September again (2014), two days before school started back, his tic returned. This time I started the Reflexology immediately and after three sessions it had gone again. We now know that in our case this tic may reoccur from time to time but at least we know now that the Reflexology works for us, it may not work for everyone but its worth a try.
If you would like any further advice please call us on 02890 666628